Think global (warming,) act local

The Rocky Mountain Climate Organization, a new
nonprofit in Colorado, is taking a backyard approach to the global
problem of climate change. "Our main thrust is what (global
warming) can mean right here, and that is more drought, more fire,
and less biodiversity," says founder Stephen Saunders, a 30-year
Colorado resident. "It’s threatening what makes this such a
special place to live."

Saunders, a former deputy
assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, has
recruited a diverse set of partners: the cities of Denver, Fort
Collins, Boulder and Aspen; Denver Water; the Aspen Skiing Company;
The Nature Conservancy of Colorado; and several other businesses
and organizations. Saunders hopes these partners will speak
"credibly and with authority" about the impacts of climate change
on the state and region.

The organization, which is
raising funds from individuals and foundations, will advocate
private and collective actions such as energy conservation and use
of clean energy sources. "Everybody who’s an energy user
needs to think about how to better meet their energy needs," says
Saunders. The organization’s municipal partners have already
pledged to reduce or slow their carbon dioxide emissions through a
national program called Cities for Climate Protection.

For more information about the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization,
check out rockymountainclimate.org or contact Stephen Saunders at
303-880-4598.